The Tea Party in the Woods - by Akiko Miyakoshi (Hardcover)

About the Book

As Kikko goes through the woods to bring a pie to her grandmother, she happens upon a home full of animals and joins their tea party.

Book Synopsis

When a young girl named Kikko realizes her father has forgotten the pie he was supposed to bring to Grandma's house, she offers to try and catch him as he makes his way through the woods. She hurriedly follows her father's footprints in the snow and happens upon a large house she has never seen before. Curious, Kikko peers through the window, when she is startled by a small lamb wearing a coat and carrying a purse. Even more surprising, the lamb speaks, asking her in a kind voice, "Are you here for the tea party?" Suddenly, Kikko realizes her trip through the woods has turned into something magical. Award-winning author and illustrator Akiko Miyakoshi has beautifully crafted an original fairy tale picture book that will delight and enchant. The unique visual presentation features mostly black-and-white art with the occasional use of red or yellow to help guide readers through the pages. Kikko's blend of courage and reticence along with her inquisitive nature makes her a character children will relate to, and the many unexpected twists and turns of her adventure keep the intrigue growing. The ambiguous ending --- in which it is not clear whether Kikko imagined the tea party or if the animals simply disappeared back into the woods --- provides a terrific opportunity for children to weigh in on what they think happened. This book also could launch classroom conversations about children's own experiences of being trusted with big responsibilities.

Review Quotes

... a beautiful Alice in Wonderland/Little Red Riding Hood mashup.--Quill & Quire

... simple, textured drawings are detailed enough to convey the characters' emotions.--School Library Connection

... the varied delights offered by this strange, captivating picture book.--The Boston Globe

... young readers will enjoy exploring The Tea Party in the Woods on their own while adults similarly will enjoy sharing it with the young people in their lives.--CM Magazine

A superb, atmospheric mix of fairy tale and dream, wild woods and home comfort.--Toronto Star

As beguilingly surreal as the Mad Hatter's party, with its own enigmatic appeal.--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Miyakoshi's fairy-tale-like language, fanciful scenes, and cheery ending make this offbeat take on Little Red Riding Hood perfect for sharing.--Booklist

The graceful proportions, atmospheric detail, and quiet, bewitching light of Miyakoshi's charcoals distinguish this small gem.--Publishers Weekly, starred review

The hardest part of letting children do things on their own ... is giving them an opportunity to fail ... which is why this amazing book resonated with all three of us.--Globe and Mail

This is a delightfully unique story with striking illustrations ...--School Library Journal

About the Author

Akiko Miyakoshi was born in Saitama, on the island of Honshu in Japan. She began creating picture books while studying visual communication design at Musashino Art University. Her first picture book, The Storm, won the Nissan Children's Storybook and Picture Book Grand Prix.

Akiko Miyakoshi was born in Saitama, on the island of Honshu in Japan. She began creating picture books while studying visual communication design at Musashino Art University. Her first picture book, The Storm, won the Nissan Children's Storybook and Picture Book Grand Prix.